This article was co-authored by Kim Gillingham, MA. Kim Gillingham is a retired library and information specialist with over 30 years of experience. She has a Master's in Library Science from Kutztown University in Pennsylvania, and she managed the audiovisual department of the district library center in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, for 12 years. She continues to do volunteer work for various libraries and lending library projects in her local community.

There are 25 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

Libraries are full of wonderful resources! It's great that you are taking advantage of them. Libraries and their resources should always be treated with the utmost respect and appreciation, so it's a good idea to know the proper code of conduct before visiting. Individual libraries post rules to let visitors know what's expected of them, but there is also a universal, unwritten code of conduct that generally applies to most libraries. By educating yourself on the right way to act in a library, you can confidently make the most of your time in the library.

Speak in whispers or hushed tones. Libraries are traditionally quiet zones for reading, studying, and other activities that require concentration. Keep your voice down any time you're in a library, and whisper whenever possible.[1]XResearch source

While it's not required to whisper anymore, a loud voice can easily disturb others.

If you run into someone you know, take the conversation outside. Many libraries have lobbies or other designated areas where conversation is allowed.

Many libraries have rooms or even floors set aside for study groups. Ask a librarian if there is a space like this where your group can talk together at a normal volume.

Kim Gillingham is a retired library and information specialist with over 30 years of experience. She has a Master's in Library Science from Kutztown University in Pennsylvania, and she managed the audiovisual department of the district library center in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, for 12 years. She continues to do volunteer work for various libraries and lending library projects in her local community.

If there's a special event or a reading, don't worry too much about staying quiet. Kim Gillingham, retired librarian, tells us: "These days quiet in the library is not nearly as important as it was in previous decades. Now you will find movies, interactive story-times, and town hall meetings. For those who need a quiet place to study, many public and most academic libraries have quiet areas."

Turn your cellphone on silent. You may be tempted to switch your phone to vibrate instead of silent, but vibrating phones can be just as distracting as ringing phones. If you need to answer a phone call, step outside the library or move into the lobby.[2]XResearch source

Many libraries now have cubbies designated for talking on cellphones.

A good option is to keep your phone on vibrate if you're expecting an important call. Just make sure to silence it right away when it starts buzzing.

Keep the volume low if you're using headphones. Many people enjoy listening to music while reading or studying. Using headphones will limit distraction of noisy music, but the sound tends to escape if the volume is too high. Turn down the volume so the music doesn't escape from your headphones and irritate others.[3]XResearch source

Use headphones if you need to listen to audio files. Just check the volume first to make sure sound doesn't escape.

Eat your meals outside the library. Many libraries don't allow food, except in designated areas. Check the rules before bringing food into any particular library. If you do bring snacks, try not to eat while in the library. Few things are more distracting than loud munching.

If you plan on being in the library for a long time and absolutely must bring snacks, choose foods that aren't crunchy or smelly. Granola bars or string cheese might be good choices.[4]XResearch source

Schedule regular snack breaks where you can leave the library for a bit. This will give your brain a break and keep you from disturbing others with your snacking.[5]XResearch source

Drinks are allowed in the library as long as they are in a covered container, such as a water bottle with a cap.

If you do bring snacks with you, try to eat them away from books and computers, and in a non-carpeted area. This will keep crumbs from getting smashed into the carpet, books, or keyboards.

Toss out your gum before entering the library. Smacking on gum can be particularly distracting, so leave the gum at home. The librarian may ask you to spit out your gum if you don't throw it away yourself.[6]XResearch source

Treat the books like you're borrowing them from a friend. Don't highlight or mark in the pages, even with pencil. Use a bookmark to mark the page you're on, but never dog-ear the pages. Borrowing books is a privilege, and they should be treated with the utmost respect.[7]XResearch source

Use sticky notes to make notes for reference. You can always remove them before returning your book. Just be careful not to tear the pages when you peel off the sticky note.

Most people forget to go back and erase pencil markings before returning their books. Even if you do remember, the eraser can tear, smudge, or otherwise damage the book irreversibly.

Check out the books you want to borrow before leaving the library. This is how the library keeps track of its books, so it's necessary to check your books out before leaving. It may be interpreted as theft if you don't check your book out before walking out with it.[8]XResearch source

Some libraries now have self-checkout stations. To use these, just follow the directions posted or ask a staff member for help. At most libraries, you can still check out by having a librarian scan your books.

Most libraries now have anti-theft systems that can detect if you're walking out with a book without checking it out. If the anti-theft system goes off, be polite and let the staff search your bag. If you cause a scene, it could disrupt others or even get you permanently banned.

Keep your feet off of library furniture. Don't sit on the tables. Stick to sitting only in the provided chairs. You'll be asked to move if a staff member sees you disrespecting the furniture.[9]XResearch source

It is not acceptable to take naps on the library furniture. A staff member will likely wake you up if they see you snoozing.[10]XResearch source

Leave the furniture where it is. You may be tempted to move chairs between tables, especially if you have a large group. Rearranging furniture is a big no-no, however, so ask a staff member for assistance if you need more room for your party. They will be able to tell you if its okay to push tables together, for example.[11]XResearch source

It's usually okay to move a chair if you need to. Just remember to put it back where you found it.

Return books that you check out on or before the due date. The staff member will tell you when your books are due back, and some even stamp the due date in the front cover of the book. Many libraries now either print you a "receipt" with the return date, or email you one. If you don't return your book on or before the due date, you will owe a fine.[12]XResearch source

Keeping a book past its due date is disrespectful, because it prevents others from being able to enjoy the book as well.

Accept that you owe a fine if you turn your books in late. Don't be argumentative or disruptive. Respect the rules, pay the fine, and move on.

Smoke outside in the designated smoking areas. It's never okay to smoke inside a library. Not only does the smoke irritate people, but the smell will soak into the books, carpet, and furniture. Plus, if you get a cigarette or cigar too close to a book, you could burn it or set it on fire.[13]XResearch source

This includes cigarettes, cigars, and e-cigs. Keep chewing tobacco outside as well.

Don't smoke directly in front of the library, but move to the designated area before lighting up. Some libraries are non-smoking zones, so you may need to hold off on smoking altogether.

Wear a shirt, pants, and shoes any time you're in a library. Make sure that you dress appropriately, and that your undergarments are fully covered.[14]XResearch source You will be asked to leave or change if a staff member thinks you are dressed inappropriately.[15]XResearch source

Inappropriate websites include adult or pornography sites, terrorist sites, or any other website that could be deemed dangerous to the public. If there are children in the library who could see your computer, you may be exposing them to pornography, which is generally illegal.

Leave computer hardware and software settings alone. Messing with the hardware or software could get you permanently banned.

Supervise young children at all times when inside the library. If you're visiting the library with a child 7 years or younger, keep them by your side at all times. Never leave children aged 7-14 alone for more than 1 hour at a time. It is not the staff's job to watch over your kids, and they will likely be too busy to keep an eye on them anyway.[17]XResearch source

Know where your children are at all times so they don't hurt themselves or others, disturb library visitors, or damage library property.

Some libraries specifically state how old you need to be before you can visit the library alone. Others require children age 11 or younger to be supervised at all times. If you plan on bringing children with you, check your library's age policy before visiting.

Refrain from excessive public displays of affection. Libraries are no place for excessive smooching and cuddling, and a staff member will ask you to stop or leave if they see this. A library is meant to be a respectable, comfortable, and modest place, and there may be children present.[18]XResearch source

A little kiss here and there isn't a big deal, but don't let it get out of control. Be mindful of those around you who may be disturbed by your displays.

Don't drink or do drugs before going to the library. If you show up to a library under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you will be asked to leave. If you are in possession of alcohol or drugs, or you are actively distributing them, a staff member will likely call law enforcement to take care of it.[19]XResearch source

Staff members have the right to search bags and backpacks, so use your common sense. Anything that's illegal outside the library is illegal inside the library.

Stick to the library's posted weapons probation. Libraries have a concealed weapons probation, which means you cannot bring your concealed weapon, such as a gun, inside. Other weapons include knives with blades over 2 inches, explosives of any sort (including fireworks), and anything else that may be deemed dangerous to the public.[20]XResearch source

If you are caught violating the posted concealed weapons probation, you could be fined and banned from the library.

Limit your time on the library computers. If you've been using a computer for over an hour, and you notice people waiting to use it, politely offer them your seat. Be considerate and give everyone a chance to use the library equipment.[21]XResearch source

Libraries allow visitors to use media equipment, such as computers, printers, copiers, and fax machines, free of charge.

Some libraries may set time limits on how long you can use a computer. Ask a staff member for guidelines if they are not clearly posted.

Keep your pets at home. Pets are generally not allowed inside the library. You may, however, bring an animal with you as long as it is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).[22]XResearch source

Clean up after yourself and return items to the appropriate location. If you took a book from the shelf and decided not to check it out, put the book back on the shelf where you found it. If you don't remember where you found it, place it in the designated area so a staff member can re-shelf it. Leaving your books on the table for the staff to clean up is disrespectful and rude.[23]XResearch source

Don't place books on a shelf unless you're returning it to its appropriate spot. This will make the book hard to find, and the staff may think it's lost or stolen.

Never leave personal items, such as bags and laptops, unattended. Not only could someone steal them, but a staff member may collect them if it's against the rules.

Leave the library at or before closing time. It's a good rule of thumb to leave the library at least 30 minutes before it closes to give the staff plenty of time to straighten up before they close the library. Staying after business hours is inconsiderate, and will likely inconvenience the staff members.[24]XResearch source

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Community Q&A

No, it isn't. This is very disrespectful and inappropriate library behavior, and you should speak to the librarian about it. Don't worry about negative feedback, as others who are also trying to concentrate will be thankful you spoke up.

If you forgot your headphones or don't have any, ask the librarian for help. Many libraries have headphones you can borrow while you're in the building, as long as you leave your library card or some other form of ID at the desk.

Warnings

Never distribute unauthorized printed material, such as flyers, in a library. If you want to use the billboard to post ads or announcements, clear it with library personnel first. They will remove them if they see materials they did not approve.[25]XResearch source

About This Article

This article was co-authored by Kim Gillingham, MA. Kim Gillingham is a retired library and information specialist with over 30 years of experience. She has a Master's in Library Science from Kutztown University in Pennsylvania, and she managed the audiovisual department of the district library center in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, for 12 years. She continues to do volunteer work for various libraries and lending library projects in her local community.